Speech Language Pathology Assistant

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Our Speech Language Pathology Assistant program prepares you with the tools and knowledge needed for clinical practice as an SLPA. Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree, you will be able to apply for licensure with the State of California and will demonstrate the skill, knowledge, and training to practice in a variety of settings within the parameters of the SLPA scope of practice.

Program Details

Program courses are led by highly qualified Speech Language Pathologist faculty members and are available at our Stockton and Mountain House campus as well as online. Additionally, you will complete required fieldwork experiences under the supervision of a practicing Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at our program facilities. Fieldwork placements are arranged for the students and are only available in the greater Delta College region. The SLPA program includes a distance learning component comprised of various instruction methods including online learning involving enriched audio and video presentations and resources. For this reason, students in this program must have reliable, consistent access to a high speed or comparable internet connection. Students entering this program must possess a practiced, working knowledge of technical tasks.

About the SLPA Profession

As a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), you will work under the direction of a supervising Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). SLPAs work directly with clients or patients to conduct screenings for speech, hearing, or language disorders.

Examples of appropriate SLPA tasks include: providing direct treatment assistance to patients or clients with communication disorders, assisting the SLP with speech, language and hearing screenings and evaluations without clinical interpretation of results and assisting with formal documentation of therapy. SLPAs follow documented treatment plans or protocols to help clients improve their communication skills. A competent Assistant will document patient/client performance, assist during assessments and may perform clerical duties such as: preparing materials, charts, records or graphs. SLPAs schedule meetings or therapy appointments for their supervisor and may provide administrative assistance towards research projects, in-service training and family/community education in the field of Communication Disorders. Performing checks and maintenance of equipment including augmentative communication devices is also within the scope of practice for a licensed SLPA.

Job Outlook for SLPA and Related Careers

Click on a job title below to find out SLPA career information such as average salaries, employment rates and more!